Banking everything on Ben Johnson would be an unwise move. There is every possibility the next head coach could be somebody different. That is what this Chicago Bears 2025 mock offseason is about. There are plenty of possibilities, but all seem to center around the same thing. How can they maximize Caleb Williams as a player? Here is the latest attempt, with the caveat that the decision-makers at the top will remain the same.
GM Ryan Poles is retained. He hires Joe Brady as new Bears head coach.
All signs point to the Bears seeking a coach who can get the most out of Caleb Williams. Despite being so young, Brady (35) has some significant accomplishments. He ran the show during Joe Burrow’s record-setting Heisman season at LSU in 2019. Then, he got a career-high 3,733 yards out of Teddy Bridgewater in Carolina. Now he’s in Buffalo, where he has Josh Allen looking like the heavy favorite to win MVP. Brady has worked with the likes of Sean Payton and Sean McDermott, so he’s gotten a great education on different successful coaching styles.
Smith has to be the obvious priority. Any Bears 2025 mock offseason will focus on improving the offensive line. Both guard spots will be vacant of starters, with Teven Jenkins hitting the market and Nate Davis already cut. Smith is by far the best available option and worth the large investment. Koonce is more of a calculated risk. He was outstanding in 2023, racking up eight sacks and 52 pressures. Unfortunately, a torn ACL ended his season in early September. He will be an unknown quantity, but the guy is a headache for blockers when healthy.
Trade: 14th pick to the 49ers for 18th pick, a 3rd in 2024 and 4th in 2024
1st Round (via SF) – Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
Taking a top offensive lineman would be ideal, but the nature of this class makes it difficult to go there in the 1st round. Sitting in the teens is an awkward spot. Rather than reach for a need, the Bears opt to solve another persistent issue with the edge rusher position. Not only does Scourton give them insurance against Koonce’s health, but he is also an elite athlete. He’s big, long, quick, and runs with a non-stop motor. He has 15 sacks in his last 21 college games. The kid is exactly what the Bears need across from Montez Sweat.
2nd Round (via CAR) – Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State
Controlling the line of scrimmage must be the prevailing wisdom for the Bears, especially on the offensive side. Jackson is big, powerful, agile for his size, and plays with the necessary mean streak. He’s not what you’d call fluid as a mover, but he has the anchor and technique to easily handle interior pass rushers. He should be a quality starter once he clears up some footwork issues.
Finding that elusive interior pass rusher remains an ongoing mission for the Bears. Walker has the requisite size and strength for the job. What sets him apart is his first-step explosiveness. It’s why he racked up 7.5 sacks in 2023. He still needs work on his pad level. It makes him somewhat easy to exploit in the running game. Still, his upside is substantial.
3rd Round – Parker Brailsford, C, Alabama
Retaining Coleman Shelton was both because he has played well of late but also because the list of veteran options to replace him isn’t great. The best thing for the Bears to do is find some quality competition via the draft. Brailsford is perfect. He’s not special in any one category, but he’s a well-rounded prospect with size, technique, intelligence, and toughness. He just gets the job done.
3rd Round (via SF) – Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
Jaquan Brisker looks increasingly like somebody who won’t be around much longer due to injury concerns. Kevin Byard is in his 30s. The Bears have to think about investing at safety. Notre Dame churns out good ones all the time. Watts figures to be the latest. He’s got size, range, intelligence, leadership, and versatility.
People who miss David Montgomery will get immediate flashbacks watching Coleman. He has the same mix of contact balance, vision, power, and underrated burst. He’s not the biggest or fastest guy, but he’s thick and has underrated pass-catching ability.
5th Round (via SF) – Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
Larry Borom will be a free agent next year. Kiran Amegadjie still hasn’t been healthy. Going through this Bears 2025 mock offseason without tackle help is inadvisable. Membou is a quality athlete with length and power in the run game. His attention to detail is rare for such a young player.
6th Round (via PIT) – Pat Bryant, WR, Illinois
A classic developmental prospect. Bryant is 6’3 with vertical speed. He has the body control and hands to make contested catches. The big question is whether he can diversify as a route-runner. His steady improvement shows he is trending in the right direction and is especially dangerous in the red zone.
7th Round (via CIN) – Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
The Bears love cornerbacks who are athletic and physical. Igbinosun checks both boxes. He has the ability to play any coverage but is at his best playing downhill. Chicago needs as much depth as possible at such an important position, and Ohio State always churns out good ones.
